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Murad Alam, MD; Leonard H. Goldberg, MD

Arch Dermatol. 2003;139:1039-1042.

Background  Reconstruction of nasal alar defects is difficult because of the complex anatomy of the region. A frequent challenge in this area is repair of small cutaneous defects involving the lateral nasal supratip and the superior alar groove.

Observations  An oblique advancement flap that uses laxity from the nasal sidewall is described. Its benefits and limitations are compared with those of alternative closures. Overall, the oblique advancement flap preserves the superior alar groove, while minimizing tissue contortion. It is technically similar to a primary closure but functionally and aesthetically superior.

Conclusions  For selected small lateral nasal supratip defects impinging on the superior alar groove, the oblique advancement flap offers a simple, visually pleasing repair that preserves the alar architecture.

From the Division of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill (Dr Alam); and DermSurgery Associates and the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston (Dr Goldberg). The authors have no financial interest in this article.

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